James Ellsworth has been instantly installed as the favourite. He's 1/12. I think there's an extremely good chance of him being in the match on January 29th.
Roman Reigns has been added to the board with a price of 1/5. I am not sure about this one. If he wins the WWE Universal Championship, he definitely won't be a participant in the Rumble. If he loses to Kevin Owens, there's a chance. It's a slim one, though. The bottom line is if you think Reigns is going to be in the Rumble after failing to win the Universal strap, you may as well take the odds on him to win outright because WWE will not have him come up short twice in one night.
Mark Henry is 4/9. It's a toss-up here. I can see him in, and I can see him missing out.
Last year's winner - Triple H - is another new entry. He's 4/6 to be an official participant. I have a feeling he'll be there to cause distraction to Seth Rollins rather than be a entrant.
Kenny Omega is 10/11. He was just in the main event of New Japan's WrestleKingdom 11 where he had an amazing match against Kazuchika Okada. I've read today that he has announced that he's taking a leave of absence from Japan, so I guess some people out there are going to jump to conclusions and think he'll do what AJ Styles, Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson and Shinsuke Nakamura did and decided to give notice to New Japan and head to WWE. Well, from what I can recall, the departures of the aforementioned talent resulted in NJPW giving Omega a two-year deal. So, if it's in play, he's still tied to the company for another year.
Chris Hero, who returned to NXT at last night's tapings, is 6/5. I can't see him being brought up instantly. They'll keep down in NXT for the time being, so I am not compelled to bet on him featuring in the Royal Rumble.
Rob Van Dam is 6/4. I wouldn't bet on it, but also wouldn't be surprised if he is in it.
Bob Backlund is 3/1. He works for the company, so there's always a chance. I have had a small bet on him.
Jim Duggan is 7/2. Another name WWE likes to bring out now and again. He is a former Rumble winner, so he has that going for him. I've placed wagers on him appearing in previous Rumble markets but - this year - I'll pass.
Here's how the prices have moved since they were first installed on January 2nd.
The big move has been for Wade Barrett. I noted that I had placed a small wager on him in a post published yesterday. His price has plummeted from 10/1 into 15/8.
Tye Dillinger continues to fall with the consensus predicting that he'll be introduced as the tenth entrant.
Kurt Angle has also had a mild dip. He has reportedly told people he is coming into WWE this spring, but it should be worth noting that this isn't the first time he has proclaimed such a thing.
The other price changes are Bobby Roode shortening from 6/5 to EVENS (he might be NXT Champ by then) and Shelton Benjamin who has moved out from 4/6 into a slightly better 5/6.
This market is found under 'In Ring Appearance' on Paddy Power's Royal Rumble Betting Page.
If Reigns is to face Undertaker at WM then I can see him enter the Rumble and eliminate him. What better way for Reigns to get his heat back and turn heel at the same time?
ReplyDeleteHogan, Duggan, Backlund, etc - too old to get tossed over the top rope at this point.
This will mark the 20th anniversary for when the Rumble last took place at the Alamodome in 1997. Much like the 10 year anniversary for the 1996 Rumble had Tatanka, this 20 year anniversary will have Razor Ramon, Jake Roberts, Bart Gunn, Marc Mero, Faaroq, Savio Vega, Jesse James, Diesel, Terry Funk, Flash Funk, Vader, Henry O.Godwinn, or.... wait for it... Mil Màscaras!!!
If it is Undertaker versus Roman Reigns, the match will more than likely be for the Universal Championship, so makes no sense for Reigns to be in the Rumble.
DeleteBacklund can still go. He's still in good shape.
As for Tatanka, I think you've mistaken last year's Andre the Giant battle royal with the Royal Rumble, but I like where you're going. One of the names on that list could very well be in the Rumble. Kane!
Does paddy power let you request a superstar to enter Royal rumble? ... I know wouldn't happen but be funny if gilberg entered the rumble only for Goldberg to eliminate him
ReplyDeleteI can't see why not. The new names on the list could have been requested by customers.
DeleteI don't think Reigns will be anywhere near the rumble match win or lose tbh
ReplyDelete